English 122 is designed to build on what you learned in English Composition
I and to further increase writing skills so students can compose a clear,
unified piece of expository writing free of mechanical errors. Students will
be asked to read and think critically and to write with a strategic sense
of argument and design using such rhetorical devices as examples, comparison
and contrast, definition, and cause and effect, etc … . This course not only
considers the world around us, but each students’ place in the world community.
Throughout the semester students will be asked to consider issues, reflect
on their positions, synthesize their thoughts and articulate a position clearly
and persuasively both in discussion and through their written work.

Requirements/Assignments

Readings must be read prior to class. This does not mean skim or simply
glance through them. You need to have some sense of what you have read
and your thoughts on the material before you came to class in order to make
class time most useful.

You will be asked to write responses to readings. I may give you questions
or prompts to consider, or you may be asked to simply reflect on the issue
being addressed.

Class participation is essential. You will be asked to participate in
in-class exercises, class discussions and workshops. In order for students
to participate effectively, they must come to class prepared. ***If
students do not arrive with ready drafts on workshop days, they will be
marked absent for that class period.***

You will write 5 major papers. One of these will be a revision of an
earlier paper. One will be an extensive research paper.

Students must complete all five assignments to receive credit for the
class. If one or more assignments are not turned in, the student will receive
an ‘F’.

Paper Format: Manuscripts must be typed, double spaced with 12 pt.
font and page #’s. Margins should be one inch. Title pages are not necessary;
titles can be centered above the first paragraph. Please STAPLE, not paper
clip your manuscripts.

Late Assignments: Papers must be handed in on time: late papers
will be docked one letter grade per day late (unless you receive approval
from me prior to the due date).

Attendance: Students are allowed to miss two classes. Any absences
beyond that will lower your grade incrementally. For example, three unexcused
absences will drop a final grade of B to a B-.

Grading: When calculating your final grade, I will use the following
formula: paper #1=10%, paper 2 10% paper #3=15%, paper #4=15%, paper #5=20%,
written responses=15%, participation=15%

Plagiarism: Plagiarizing consists of stealing and passing off the
ideas or words of another without crediting the source. We will discuss different
types of plagiarism in class and how to avoid it. If there are any doubts
about what constitutes plagiarism, PLEASE see me.

Refund Date: September 12, 2003

Withdraw date: November 14, 2003

Please Note:

Any or all of this syllabus may be altered during the semester by the
instructor as the learning environment requires. Students will be notified
of changes.

Students wishing to withdraw from this course must INITIATE the course
withdrawal/drop process.

This class could be cancelled one week prior to the census date if an
insufficient number of students are enrolled.

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act: Appropriate accommodations
will be made for all students with documented disabilities. If you have a
disability requiring accommodations in this class, please notify the instructor
as soon as possible.

Course Schedule

August 25 Introduction to class. Course requirements.
Writer as critic.

Assignment: Movie review.

August 28 Discuss reviews. Evaluative criteria.

Assignment: Read sample reviews. Revise
reviews.

September 1 LABOR DAY NO CLASS

September 4 View first half of “American Beauty.”

Assignment: Establish criteria.

September 8 View second half of “American Beauty.”

Assignment: Rough draft of movie review.

September 11 Workshop review.

Assignment: Final review due.

September 15 Turn in reviews. Introduce community essay. What
does it mean to be an American? A U.S. Citizen? U.S. History and Government
exam.